Occupational Safety and Health Workers

Overview

Occupational Safety and Health Workers

Introduction

Occupational safety and health workers are responsible for the prevention of work-related accidents and diseases, injuries from unsafe products and practices, property losses from accidents and fires, and adverse effects of industrial processes on the environment. There are approximately 125,900 occupational safety specialists and 27,600 health and safety technicians employed in the United States.

Quick Facts


Median Salary

$81,140

Employment Prospects

Good

Minimum Education Level

Bachelors Degree


Experience

Internship


Skills

Business Management|Interpersonal|Organizational


Personality Traits

Helpful|Problem-Solving|Realistic

Earnings

Earnings vary based on factors such as the field in which the safety and health worker is involved, his or her experience, and the size of the employer. In 2023, the U.S. Department of Labor reported that the median salary of occupational health and safety specialists was $81,140. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $49,550, while the highest paid 10 percent earned more than $128,040. O...

Work Environment

Most occupational safety and health workers are based in offices but spend much of their time at work sites, inspecting safety hazards, talking to workers, or taking samples of such things as air, dust, or water. They may travel a great deal, depending on their job specialty and location. For example, safety engineers who work exclusively at one plant may travel only to an occasional seminar or...

Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), employment of occupational health and safety technicians is projected to grow 11 percent through 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of occupational health and safety specialists is projected to grow 15 percent during the same timeframe, also much faster than the average. Because of wide public support, the economy ...